Petkovic confirms Zarate

Vladimir Petkovic has given his backing to keeping Mauro Zarate at Lazio for next season, after a week of pre-season work with the player.

Vladimir Petkovic has given his backing to keeping Mauro Zarate at Lazio for next season, after a week of pre-season work with the player.

The Argentine striker is back with the Aquile this summer after an unsuccessful spell with Inter. Whilst initially expected to be on his way out, reports suggest that Lazio have been impressed by his work ethic and are now working out ways to keep him at the club,[12] with a new contract rumoured.

New Coach Petkovic, who has been working with the striker in training this week and reportedly been praising him during sessions, has given his backing to keeping the 25-year-old.

“He’s part of the group of 24-25 players who have been called up to pre-season. He’s a player with great quality and we need him,” Petkovic declared to Sky Sport Italia.

“He is training well and we hope to continue along this path.”

The Coach also reflected on possible transfer activity at the club this summer, including continued links to Palermo full-back Federico Balzaretti.

“For the market we are attentive to everything. If there is the possibility of buying an important player to reinforce the squad then we will evaluate what to do.

“Balzaretti is one of the best full-backs in Italy. With this I believe I’ve said it all.”